Supplements for gut
Probiotics, prebiotics, and the fibre spectrum — what each strain actually does.
Probiotic effects are strain-specific, not generic. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (most-studied), Saccharomyces boulardii (only one that survives antibiotics), Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (the IBS strain), and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (infant colic) all have specific RCT-backed indications. Acacia fibre is the most gut-tolerant prebiotic. Psyllium has FDA health claims for both cholesterol and IBS-C. Peppermint oil (enteric-coated) is first-line for IBS in NICE guidelines. Avoid: 'multi-strain immunity blends' that don't specify strain or CFU.
Evidence summary
The numbers on the cards are the same composite as the supplement pages: efficacy, safety, research, onset, cost, and drug-interaction ratings, from 20 to 100. The strongest records on this page are Oat beta-glucan (cholesterol), Lactase enzyme, and Fibre (general dietary). A higher score is a stronger record in the database, not a personal recommendation.
Who should be careful
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, and anyone taking a prescription drug should talk with a clinician before using this list.
- Do not stack products from this list that sedate, thin the blood, or lower blood sugar with medicines that do the same thing.
Comparisons and topic guides
94
Oat beta-glucan (cholesterol)
90
Lactase enzyme
89
Fibre (general dietary)
84
Psyllium husk (Plantago ovata)
84
Whey protein
80
Magnesium glycinate
80
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
80
Saccharomyces boulardii
80
Bifidobacterium infantis EVC001
72
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624
77
Magnesium citrate
79
Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938
78
Peppermint oil (enteric-coated)
76
Resistant starch (prebiotic)
76
Lactobacillus plantarum 299v
75
Lactobacillus acidophilus
75
Pancreatin (porcine digestive enzymes)
74
Casein protein
74
DGL Licorice (deglycyrrhizinated)
74
Egg white protein
74
Chamomile extract (Matricaria chamomilla)
74
Lactobacillus gasseri
74
Acacia fiber (prebiotic)
Educational reference, not medical advice. Discuss any supplement change with a qualified clinician before acting on this list.